Page 57 of Starstruck
She flinches when she notices my expression. “I’m sorry!” she shouts, and I can’t help but burst out laughing.
“Is, it’s okay. I mean, if it were up to me, I would’ve kept Baxter and me secret for the entire time we agreed on, but apparently, life had other plans.” I shoot her a teasing look. “Paige finding out isn’t the worst thing in the world. Dylan, on the other hand…” I trail off, letting her fill in the warning to be more careful around my brother. He’s always been extremely protective of me, and nothing good will come over him finding out I’m in a purely sexual relationship with the world’s most notorious playboy.
Nothing.
“Got it.” She stands from her chair. “I should really get down to the studio, but bring the merch options by later and I’ll help you go through them, ’kay?”
I grin. “Sounds good. Love you, Is.”
“Always, Lenny.”
[25 ]
STILL BREATHING
LENNON
“ALIVE” BY DAUGHTRY (COVER)
“So, listen,” Baxter begins, pulling my attention from the task at hand.
We’re sitting in my office going over some of the scheduling for the concert now that I’ve booked enough performers.
It’s been over a month since our arrangement began, and when we aren’t busybenefitting, he’s been here a few times a week helping me plan.
“I know it’s last minute…but the guys and I are getting together for a writing session tonight. I know you haven’t been, but maybe being around us while we write, seeing our process, could help you get some inspiration back. Will you come?”
I sigh, my shoulders falling. “Bax…I don’t think so.”
“No pressure to pitch in or play or anything. I’d just really love it if you were there.”
A blush rises up my cheeks. Him saying things like that is exactly why I’m certain this is going to end poorly for me. But I’m already strapped in—I may as well enjoy the rest of the ride.
“I don’t know…” I say hesitantly. “I don’t think it’s such a good idea, Baxter.”
The truth is, I’d love to go, more than he knows. But we agreed to no casual hangouts, and aside from last month when he came by on the six-month anniversary of the accident, we’ve kept to that. I don’t want to start breaking the rules now—I’m already deeper into this than I intended to be.
I also worry that the second I step into that room, the anxiety that comes with writing will wash over me. The last thing I want is for my first time meeting Colt and Levi to be tainted by them witnessing a panic attack. Plus, I don’t know how I feel about officially meeting them. They’re more than just his guitarist and drummer, and meeting them makes me feel like we’re more than we are.
“Please, Lennon?”
My heart cracks. I never thought I’d see the day when Baxter James is begging me for…well, anything. Which makes it awfully hard to say no.
I contemplate momentarily before my shoulders slump. “Alright, fine,” I agree, watching as his face lights up like a Christmas tree, making my heart flutter. “But just to watch. I’m not helping.”
“Deal.” He smirks. “Thank you.”
I pull my bottom lip between my teeth as I smile up at him. “What time?”
“I’m meeting them at mine at four.” He pauses, glancing down at his watch quickly. “You almost finished up here?”
My eyes shift to the clock behind him to see that it reads it’s twenty after three already. “You can go on ahead without me. I have a few more things to finish up first.”
“I’ll wait. Tell them to head in without me. That way you won’t have to drive yourself.”
My brows pull together. “I’m fully capable of driving myself, thank you very much.”
“Oh, I know you are.” He laughs lightly as he pulls me closer, pressing his lips to my forehead. “But I also know you aren’t comfortable doing so. Come with me, Lenny girl. Then I’ll take you home after. Or you can just stay at mine.”
